Travelers Guide to  Playa  del  Carmen

Into the Waters of Playa

On any given day sit down at a breakfast table in a Playa Cafe and you will hear a potpourri of languages German, English, Russian (sometimes), French, and Spanish , talk about one and the same thing: DIVING. 

 
Phocea Caribe, Dive Center, Playa del Carmen Q.Roo México

Does that mean that diving in Playa is becoming more and more popular? I think you could definitely say so, as Playa over the past three years has become increasingly more involved in the international diver scene. A hot spot for passers by, to, and from all the other corners of the world, Playa might not offer the world famous and at times advanced diving sites found  in Cozumel, but it has to show off a nice  palette of different divesites ideal for beginners and nice for advanced divers. 

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Colibri Hotel, Playa del Carmen Qroo. México

This town through its immense growth in the past year has changed its attitude and attained a wonderful mix of all present Mexican charm. Divers from all over the world come here, and from here we send certified divers back to all corners of the world, and with them some of that special Playadiver spirit. 

As an authentic Playa, am proud to say that the services and equipment available for the diver here in Playa are becoming more and more sophisticated, assuring beginners and advanced with the maximum security and quality of service necessary to enjoy this wonderful sport. Diving instructors and dive masters speaking your language are eager to share their  knowledge and most of all the fulfilling experience for a great dive. 

 
Hotel Las Palapas Playa del Carmen Q.Roo México

As I mentioned beforehand, in Playa you may not find those huge reefs you can see in Cozumel: yet, to assure you, I have seen here an infinite number of small fish, schools of tarpon with scales the size of a silvery coffee cup, majestic mantas sailing by, large barracudas, and of course the all impressive sea turtle growing to about one to two  meters in diameter. 

I will never forget those times I was in charge of helping those ancient giants through the difficult process laying their eggs grunting, groaning; I was reminded of the fight for survival going on daily around us and in this seemingly calm sea. In general, dives sites in Playa del Carmen vary as as does the type of persons that come to visit: 

Paamul Caribbean Paradise, Riviera Maya Q. Roo México

To the south you will find Barracuda reef with 30-50 feet depth, The Garden or Esfuerzo with 60-80 feet depth, or the only wreck in this area, the MAMA VIÑA with a 90 feet depth perfect for a multilevel dive of an Advanced dive course. A little further south still, you will find the reef Inah with 40-60 feet and Karen's Reef  with a beautiful 80 feet drift section. 

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Cohiba Hotel, Playa del Carmen Qroo. México

Those two places are popular sites for large turtles, big green morays, and even a resting shark. In the other direction, to the North Dive sites range from Punta Maroma or Los Arcos (100feet), the Green Wall reef with beautiful marine life and a depth of 130 feet for advanced divers, to Xcalacoco, (also 130 feet ). 

Cabezas, Shangri La, and Chunzubul with each 30/40 feet depth are perfect for training and beginners. And once again, as I have a peak at the dive scene in Playa, I am happy to say that here we can successfully train and introduce many new dive-rookies to diving at an increasing level of professionalism and security. 

I am glad to share those experiences, and to offer a different perspective on everyday life. And as a Playa, I will cherish those special moments at our very own reefs, right at my doorstep, forever.

Enjoy Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico